Interior Architecture & Design Portfolio

P O R T F O L I O

WORKS BY: CHRISTABEL CHEN

SITE ANALYSIS

THE SHOPHOUSE MUSEUM

1.1 site analysis

1.2 conceptual sketches

1.3 museum overview perspectives

1.4 floor plans section

Project Type: Parasitic Architecture

Attaching itself to the “host”, the parasite aims to enhance the surrounding environment without overwhelming the host.

Site:

Shophouse units 2-16 along Koon Seng Road

Located in Joo Chiat, Singapore’s first heritage town, a residential conservation area known for its heritage architecture and a popular tourist destination.

Design Strategy:

To design a heritage museum that will bring visitors on a journey through the heritage of Joo Chiat while experiencing the shophouse in a new way.

The heritage of Joo Chiat is only conserved through the shophouses’ architecture. Locals and tourists are not educated about the shophouse or heritage as they only view the facade from ground level, as shown above.

CONCEPTUAL SKETCHES

Host location Residential + Hotels Retail

LEGEND

Scaffolding structurees are seen when conservation works are carried out on shophouses’ architecture. I used this as the idea generator to “conserve” the heritage of shophouses and Joo Chiat.

Latching onto the host this way would restrict the amount of sunlight and ventilation on the ground floor.

Solution: parasitic modules attaching at different levels with voids adjacent to circulation pathways.

1. Features of shophouse

2. Sequence of spaces

3. Circulation method

4. Circulation path connecting parasitic modules

5. Latching of parasitic modules

6. Idea generator 7. Exterior 8. Parasitic modules on roof

KEY PLAN

MUSEUM OVERVIEW

EXTERIOR ELEVATION

FLOOR PLANS

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

SCALE 1:200

FIRST STOREY & SECOND STOREY PLAN SCALE 1:200

THIRD STOREY PLAN SCALE 1:200

RETAIL STORE PLAN SCALE 1:200

PERSPECTIVES

1 2

Communal seating areas on the ground floor relate to the parasite in terms of the materials used while providing a space for residents and visitors to rest and hang out.

LEGEND

1. Reception

2. Historical timeline of Joo Chiat

3. Tile display

4. Types of shophouses

5. Viewing deck

6. Retail store

1. Tile display

Metal rods are used to create structures reflecting the grid concept and to define the circulation path through the tile display area.

2. Retail store

Grids in the retail space continue from floor to wall to ceiling in varying scales. A mirrored wall behind the counter creates the illusion of an extension of space. Metal rods along the other wall act as supporting structures for retail displays.

SITE context

BE HOTEL

1.1

site context concept

1.2 elevations perspectives

1.3 floor plan

concept

Project Type: Hospitality

To create a new brand for a chain of hotels that provides affordable accomadation and ensuring guests enjoy a great local atmosphere.

Site: New Delhi, India

Be Hotel is a 2.5 star hotel located in the city center.

Design Strategy:

To design versatile spaces within the hotel that cater to backpackers, families and business travellers while capturing the cultural essence of the country, taking in mind the timeless and homely image of the hotel’s branding.

COURTYARD: TRANSLATING CLASSICAL INDIAN ARCHITECTURE INTO A MODERN SPACE

Main spaces (bar, lounge, dining) are designed as a courtyard as it is where most communal activities happen. The double volume and columns are deliberately emphasized by designing the space such that guests are able to experience the spatial qualities once they enter the hotel.

Circulation path

Courtyard

The lattice creates different shadow patterns in the space depending on the time of day.

A variety of seating provides flexibility for guests and caters to the

The counter is designed such that it connects the indoor & outdoor dining areas.

LEGEND 1. Entrance

2. Self check in kiosks 3. Internet stations

4. Meeting rooms 5. Reception 6. Back of house/Admin

7. Luggage storage

8. Bar/Grab & Go

9. Outdoor seating

1.1 existing site concept

1.2 floor plans

1.3 perspectives sections

Project Type: Problem Based Learning

To provoke inquiry into the cultural, societal, architectural and environmental issues surrounding design and propose a new use for the building.

Site: Thomson Community Club

Various communities in Thomson are segregated as the culture of congregating for entertainment is fading. Also, there are many music schools and studios in the vicinity but no specific venue for these music enthusiasts to showcase their talent.

Design Strategy:

To create a space where people, food and music come together in the form of a music cafe selling traditional desserts since the food culture in Singapore is prominent and it connects different communities. The cafe also serves as a platform for music enthusiasts to come together and perform while residents in Thomson can gather to watch and participate during open mic sessions.

concept

ICE KACHANG: CREATING A WHOLE OUT OF FRAGMENTS

Gallery Dining Stage

FIRST STOREY PLAN

SCALE 1:100

Floor plans

SECOND STOREY PLAN

SCALE 1:100

1. Second storey

White painted timber strips forming part of the railing, double height metal grilles and exterior fins direct the view from the second storey to the stage.

Horizontal

visual continuity while vertical

The stage is a key space and is emphasized by a double volume which allows sound to travel to the second storey. The double volume also allows visual continuity, so people get to watch and hear the performance.

2. Second storey dining

timber strips highlights

strips separate dining spaces to create cellular spaces, giving a sense of privacy amidst the open layout.

4. First storey dining Cellular dining spaces are created using partitions made of timber strips.

3. Stage

5. First storey Ceiling of timber planks reflect the horizontal elements on the second storey.

1.1 site context concept facade + section

1.2 perspectives

1.3 working drawings

Project Type:

Mixed-use (Soho), client-based

Site: Geylang Bahru Industrial Estate

Design Strategy: To convert the existing site into a Soho unit for the client to eat, work, play, meet and sleep.

Client profile: Cafe owner and freelance photographer

Site location Sun path SPACE TRANSLATION

PHOTOGRAPHY: USING LIGHT TO DEFINE SPACES

An axis derived from the sun path divides the space while different types of lighting defines the type of spaces (public/private).

Axis Adjacent spaces

SITE CONTEXT concept Facade + section

PERSPECTIVES

1. Cafe/Gallery

The cafe acts as a gallery through a montage of the client’s works displayed along the walls of the first storey. A strip of light on the floor guides customers to the counter.

2. Study/Reading area

A skylight directly above illuminates the study area.

3. Model Experimentation of light.

4. Model An example of light cast by the sun through the skylight in the cafe.

2 3 4

1.1 other projects

1.2 live projects

1.3 photography

OTHER PROJECTS

Subject module: World Issues (Cross-Disciplinary Subject)

A photographic campaign part of a group project aiming to raise awareness of racism. The project revolved around the theme of a world without colour, as skin colour will not matter in a colourless world. A book, posters and various merchandise were designed, all in an achromatic colour scheme, following the theme.

1. Merchandise designs

2. Poster design 1

3. Poster design 2

A WORLD WITHOUT COLOUR 1 2 3 4 5

4. Cover page of book

5. Sticker designs

LIVE PROJECTS

THE “CHRISTMESS” DINNER

Location: Sentosa Boardwalk

Part of The Christmas Tree Project and inspired by Alice In Wonderland, the idea was to create an unconventional christmas tree representing a christmas dinner. Various kitchen and dining utensils hang haphazardly to emphasize the casual, messy and fun atmosphere as people catch up over a good meal.

GRAFFITI PAINTING

Location: Glocal Village, Temasek Polytechnic

Part of an initiative for Global Community Day and Diversity Inclusion You, an event organised by Temasek Polytechnic, a graffiti wall was created, encompassing the theme of diversity and vibrance.